Computer Science

At one time, running a first-tier computer science program required a large financial outlay that limited these programs to large, typically state-funded institutions. In recent years, however, the software needed for a computer science program has become, for the most part, free, and the computer hardware needed has come into common use.

The major limitation for a quality computer science program now is the faculty available to teach. It has become apparent that teaching computer science is not well-suited to large classes. Many experts suggest that hands-on apprenticeships and one-on-one mentoring are more appropriate approaches to learning to program.

The small class sizes and extensive student-faculty involvement at Covenant College provide a superior environment for learning computer science.

In addition, most programs in scientific and technical disciplines pretend that skills and information can be taught in a value-free manner. This is never the case. In fact, the assertion that some field of human endeavor can be held apart from and exist independently of God is a profound moral choice, regardless of the denials of those claiming moral neutrality.

At Covenant, our computer science students receive a thorough grounding in Christian teaching and worldview through Covenant's in-depth core curriculum. In addition, the relationship between computer science and Christianity is examined throughout the computer science curriculum.

Why Christians Should Care.

Increasingly, the world in which we live is a world molded by computing. Many Christians have recently noticed that by failing to engage "Hollywood" they have lost an important chance to make a Christian worldview known. However, computing is molding our world far more than movies ever have. How it molds it - for good or for bad - is the result of a million individual decisions made each day by people in the computing industry. Christians need to be salt and light in this process.

Our Programs.

Covenant College's Department of Computer Science offers a major in computer science, which is the broadest and most established of the computing disciplines. Our course work is based on the ACM / IEEE CC 2001 Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Computer Science. The program requires 40 credit hours of COS courses as well as a supporting course in quantitative methods for a total of 44 credit hours. We also offer a minor in computer science.

"Advanced Programming Methodology - coming into Covenant, I had absolutely no experience with computer programming. This class was a personal breakthrough where I have learned to love and understand the foundations of coding. Dr. Humphries kept each student engaged in the class as we laughed and we learned as the class time flew by.
"- computer science major Abby Hynson

The mission of Covenant College is to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things. We offer the world biblically grounded men and women equipped to live out extraordinary callings in ordinary places.